Henry Cavill’s career is a testament to perseverance, versatility, and timing. Known globally for his defining roles as Superman in Man of Steel and Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher, Cavill has cemented his place among Hollywood’s elite. However, his rise wasn’t without its near-misses, one of which involves a role that could have drastically altered the trajectory of his career: Edward Cullen in Twilight.

Yes, before Robert Pattinson became the face of the sparkly vampire that captivated millions, Cavill was author Stephenie Meyer’s original pick for the brooding and immortal heartthrob. While it’s intriguing to imagine Cavill embodying the role of Edward, his eventual path to stardom highlights how sometimes the roles you don’t get are just as pivotal as the ones you do.

Stephenie Meyer’s “Perfect Edward”

In 2007, Meyer revealed that she had written Twilight with a very specific image of Edward Cullen in mind—and that image was Henry Cavill. At the time, Cavill was in his early twenties, exuding the charm and mystery Meyer envisioned for the character. She was so attached to the idea that she referred to Cavill as her “perfect Edward” in blog posts, lamenting his aging out of the role when the Twilight movie finally went into production.

Unfortunately, Hollywood’s timeline didn’t align with Meyer’s dream casting. By the time Twilight was ready to roll cameras, Cavill was 24—too old to convincingly play the eternally 17-year-old vampire. The role ultimately went to Robert Pattinson, whose portrayal of Edward became a cultural phenomenon.

Cavill’s Reaction to the Role That Got Away
Interestingly, Cavill didn’t even know about Meyer’s preference for him until after the fact. In an interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, he admitted, “I only found out afterwards, and I was like, ‘Oh, okay. That would have been cool.’” His reaction was casual, devoid of any bitterness or regret. For Cavill, the missed opportunity wasn’t a personal blow but rather an acknowledgment of the unpredictable nature of Hollywood casting.

Unlike some actors who might dwell on lost opportunities, Cavill took the news in stride, focusing instead on building a career defined by diverse and memorable roles. His nonchalant attitude toward losing the part speaks volumes about his perspective on his craft and his belief in the importance of timing and fit when it comes to landing a role.

A String of Near-Misses
Edward Cullen wasn’t the only high-profile role that Cavill came close to landing. Over the years, Cavill has been dubbed “the most unlucky man in Hollywood” by Empire magazine, thanks to a series of roles he almost—but didn’t—get.

James Bond: Cavill auditioned to play 007 in Casino Royale but lost out to Daniel Craig. At the time, the director felt Cavill was too young for the role.
Superman in Superman Returns (2006): Cavill was considered for the iconic role but ultimately lost to Brandon Routh.
Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Cavill auditioned for the role that eventually went to—ironically—Robert Pattinson.
These near-misses could have been career-defining roles for Cavill, but each “no” paved the way for something bigger. His eventual casting as Superman in 2013’s Man of Steel wasn’t just a breakthrough—it was a career-defining moment that catapulted him into international stardom.

Would Cavill Have Made a Good Edward Cullen?
It’s hard to say what Twilight would have looked like with Cavill as Edward Cullen. On one hand, Cavill’s striking looks and ability to convey intensity would have made him a natural fit for the role. On the other hand, Robert Pattinson’s unique take on Edward brought an enigmatic and slightly awkward charm that resonated with audiences worldwide.

Moreover, the cultural impact of Twilight may have tethered Cavill to the role in a way that could have limited his ability to take on other iconic characters. As Pattinson himself has noted, stepping out of Edward’s shadow wasn’t easy. It’s possible that Cavill’s career, which has thrived on his ability to reinvent himself across a variety of genres, may have looked very different if he had been cast as the face of one of the biggest YA franchises of all time.

Making Peace with the Past
For Cavill, missing out on Edward Cullen is nothing more than a footnote in his illustrious career. While Twilight has achieved cult status and continues to be celebrated by fans, Cavill’s path has led him to roles that showcase his range and depth as an actor. From the stoic and powerful Superman to the morally complex Geralt of Rivia, Cavill has carved out a niche that feels uniquely his own.

Even when asked about these near-misses, Cavill remains gracious and reflective. He acknowledges the opportunities he’s had and the journey that brought him to where he is today. His career isn’t defined by what could have been but by the choices he’s made and the opportunities he’s embraced.

A Legacy Beyond Edward Cullen
In the end, Henry Cavill didn’t need to sparkle to shine. His career stands as proof that timing and perseverance matter more than landing every role. While it’s fun to imagine an alternate universe where Cavill starred in Twilight, it’s clear that he’s perfectly content with how things turned out.

As fans continue to celebrate his past roles and eagerly anticipate his future projects, one thing is certain: Henry Cavill has more than proven that sometimes, the roles you don’t get are just stepping stones to something even greater. And for Cavill, that “something greater” includes a legacy that stretches far beyond vampires and sparkles.